Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh Overview

Bandhavgarh National Park, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India, is renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity and, notably, one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in the world. Established in 1968 as a national park, Bandhavgarh spans an area of approximately 1,536 square kilometers (593 square miles) when including the buffer zones, with the core area covering about 716 square kilometers (276 square miles). The park’s name, Bandhavgarh, translates to “Brother’s Fort,” referencing an ancient fort located in the park, which is steeped in legend and history, adding a mystical charm to the natural beauty of the area.

Nestled in the Vindhya Hills, Bandhavgarh National Park boasts a varied landscape of steep ridges, undulating forests, and open meadows, creating an ideal habitat for a wide range of wildlife. While the park is internationally famous for its thriving tiger population, it also supports a diverse array of other species, including leopards, Indian bison (gaur), sloth bears, sambar deer, and a myriad of bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.

The park’s vegetation is predominantly of tropical moist deciduous type, with dense sal forests covering a significant portion of the area, interspersed with grasslands and bamboo stretches. This rich habitat not only supports an abundance of prey species, thereby sustaining the large predator population, but also contributes to the park’s overall biodiversity.

Bandhavgarh National Park offers visitors the chance to explore its wilderness through jeep safaris, which provide intimate encounters with the majestic tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The safaris are led by experienced guides who share insights into the behavior of the animals and the ecological balance of the park.

With its historical significance, rich biodiversity, and high tiger visibility, Bandhavgarh National Park stands as a testament to India’s conservation efforts and a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

Park Map

Bandhavgarh National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Predators

Bandhavgarh National Park teems with apex predators, each playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of this diverse habitat.

Bengal Tiger
The park’s star, the Bengal Tiger, is a symbol of India’s wildlife conservation efforts, showcasing immense strength, stealth, and an unmistakable striped coat.

Leopard
Elusive and versatile, leopards adapt to various habitats within the park, showcasing remarkable climbing ability and nocturnal hunting prowess.

Dhole (Indian Wild Dog)
Highly social and cooperative hunters, Dholes are known for their distinctive whistles and remarkable efficiency in taking down prey much larger than themselves.

Sloth Bear
With shaggy fur and a distinctive snout, Sloth Bears primarily feed on termites, but their strong claws and powerful build make them formidable.

Jungle Cat
Smaller than some of its fellow predators, the Jungle Cat relies on stealth and speed, hunting a variety of small prey across different terrains.

Striped Hyena
Often scavenging near tiger kills, the Striped Hyena is a solitary nocturnal predator, contributing to the park’s ecological cleanup crew.

Indian Python
A powerful constrictor, the Indian Python preys on a variety of animals, showcasing the diverse predatory strategies within Bandhavgarh National Park.

Gharial
Focusing on fish, the Gharial’s narrow snout is perfectly adapted for catching slippery prey in the park’s water bodies, adding to the predator diversity.

These predators, among others, underline Bandhavgarh National Park’s status as a biodiversity hotspot, highlighting the intricate balance of predator and prey dynamics within this thriving ecosystem.